The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

FOR the fourth year, Club One Fitness Centre staff are using the summer season to help Bahamian women realise their sexier, healthier selves.

“Sexy Summer Slimdown”, the six-week women’s weight loss programme which kicked off last week, is designed to build a supportive community among women in the Bahamas, teach them healthy eating habits and create fun ways to exercise and have fun.

Dianne Gibson, assistant manager and certified trainer at Club One, said the first step for women is to be able to love and accept themselves as they are, no matter what age, shape or size

“At Club One we know that the motivation behind why we exercise is very important to the success of the fitness programme. When you have self confidence, are happy and have a support system, you are more likely to adhere to a fitness and nutrition plan because you know you are worth it and deserve to be healthy, happy and the best version of yourself,” said Dianne.

She said the Sexy Summer Slimdown is more than just a weightless programme, as it is designed to also increase self-confidence and knowledge of fitness and nutrition.

“Exercise and healthy eating can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. There is an obesity epidemic in the Bahamas that is affecting the health and quality of life of our overall society,” Dianne said.

“Women in the Bahamas, we tend to put everyone else before ourselves: our husbands, children, work and church. We tend to neglect our health and happiness. By taking just an hour a day to focus on ourselves we can become happier, healthier, more energetic and be better examples to our loved ones.”

During the Sexy Summer Slimdown sessions, participants will be given a body fat assessment test and be weighed in once per week. They will also be a part of a private Sexy Summer Slimdown Facebook page where they will be updated on health, nutrition and fitness challenges each day.

The ladies will be required to participate in group exercise classes and nutrition talks throughout the six-week period. At the completion of the programme, all participants will be treated to a special beauty makeover and sexy photoshoot, as well as a Sexy Summer swag bag. Prizes will also be awarded for different categories.

Last year’s prizes included the Queen Diva Award given to Shirley Merriman for a 3.9 per cent fat loss; Overall Group Winner given to the Wolfettes with more than 30lbs lost, over 50 inches lost and 8.5 per cent of fat loss. The Greatest Pounds Lost went to Lorneska Hepburn with 13lbs lost in eight weeks, and lastly, the special MIA (missing but still in action) Award went to Gena McKenzie with 14.6lbs lost in 10 weeks, just in time for her wedding.

The Sexy Summer Slimdown Spirit and Life Transformation Award went to Jannell Smith and Nicka Jayl, whom organisers said followed all of the Sexy Summer Slimdown guidelines and transformed themselves completely.

“Success is different for everyone. For some it is the weight loss, for others it is self-confidence or making new friends. Even if participants can gain just a few healthy habits or learn something new, it is a success story,” said Dianne. “At Club One we are not just a gym, we are a community and a family. A healthy lifestyle is much more than doing a few exercises on machines or attending classes. It is supporting each other in a positive way, coming together as a community to have fun and learn how to enjoy leading a healthy lifestyle and to create events and activities to draw us closer as a community.”

All interested persons are asked to contact Club One Fitness Centre at 327-2685. The registration fee is $50 in addition to club membership. Persons can register as individuals or as a group of four.